Lesson 15: The Great Cappadocians

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Lesson 15The Great Cappadocians
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Macrina Basil the Great or Basil of
Caesarea Gregory of Nyssa Gregory of Nazianzus
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THEME IN CAPPADOCIAN WRITINGS THE MYSTERY OF
THE GODHEAD
Gods being is infinite, and so the more that
the finite mind knows of him, the more it becomes
aware of its ignorance In speaking of God,
when there is a question of His essence, then is
the time to keep silence. When, however, it is a
question of His operationthat is the time to
speak. Gregory of Nyssa.
The begetting of God must be honored by silence.
It is a great thing for you to learn that he was
begotten. But the manner of his generation we
will not admit that even angels can conceive,
much less you.
Gregory of Nazianzus.
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THREE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE CAPPADOCIANS
1. Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
2. Doctrine of the person of Christ
That which He has not assumed, He has not
healed. But that which is united to His Godhead
is also saved Gregory of Nazianzus
Athanasius If Christ is not God, we are not
saved
Gregory If Christ is not man, we are not saved
3. Care for the needy
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Three Significant Emperors
Constantine (313-337)
Julian
The Apostate (361-363)
They not only take care of their poor, they take
care of our poor as well
Theodosius (379-
Christendom
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Council of Constantinople 381
The Holy Spirit, the Lord, Giver of life, who
proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and
the Son, is together worshiped and together
glorified.
NOTE What about pagan persecution?